Janet E. Forella

Janet E. Forella June 17, 1942 - July 6th, 2026 Janet (Vattiat) Forella (84), of Staten Island, New York, unexpectedly and sadly passed away on July 6th, 2026. Janet was born on June 17th, 1942, in Staten Island, New York, to Michael and Margaret Vattiat. She was raised in a loving home alongside her four brothers, Michael, Donald, Robert and Peter. Their home was filled with laughter, unconditional love, and a close family bond that many could only hope to experience. The kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion she experienced in her childhood home remained with her throughout her life, shaping the loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend she became. Janet was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Louie, who passed away just six weeks before her after the two shared a lifetime of love and devotion. Throughout her husband's courageous battle with cancer, Janet remained by his side with love and strength. Despite facing her own physical disabilities and health challenges, she never allowed them to stand in her way of caring for the man she loved. Watching her husband suffer each day was one of life's greatest heartaches, yet she met each day with quiet strength, determined that he would never miss a doctor's appointment or go without the care he needed, regardless of the challenges she was facing herself. Janet consistently placed the needs of those she loved above her own, often setting aside her own health and well-being. Her selfless love and unwavering commitment were a true reflection of the vows she made so many years before; she cared for him with extraordinary grace until the very end. Their remarkable journey blossomed while they both worked at Bank of America. During that time, she and the love of her life, Louie, continued to build a strong and enduring relationship that would become the foundation of their life together. They were married in 1965 and shared a lifetime of unwavering love, devotion, and cherished memories. This coming September, they would have celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary - a testament to the remarkable life they built together. Janet and Louie settled in Staten Island, New York, where they raised their two children, Janet and Louis Jr. Janet was a wonderful and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved her family; her home was the heart of her family, where countless cherished gatherings created memories that will last a lifetime. Christmas was especially dear to her, and nothing brought her greater joy than creating magical memories for her grandchildren. She loved baking homemade cookies with them, carefully choosing special gifts for each one, and transforming her home into a breathtaking holiday wonderland. Her dining room table was so beautifully decorated it resembled a holiday window display, and she had a remarkable gift for making her family feel as though they had stepped into a true winter wonderland. Through her thoughtful traditions and boundless generosity, Janet gave her grandchildren a Christmas filled with wonder, laughter, and memories they will carry in their hearts for the rest of their lives. Janet found her greatest joy in spending time with the people she loved most - her beloved husband, Louie, her children, Janet and Louis, and her cherished grandchildren. Whether gathered for everyday moments or special occasions, she treasured every opportunity to be surrounded by her family. An exceptional cook, Janet poured her love into every meal she prepared. She looked forward to creating memorable birthday breakfasts for each member of her family, making everyone feel celebrated on their special day. Every holiday was lovingly planned in her home, where she organized and prepared the meals that brought her family together around one table. Those gatherings became some of her family's most treasured memories. She especially loved family vacations to Aruba, where the time together created memories that would last a lifetime. Janet also cherished visiting her brothers and sisters-in-law in Oregon, always grateful for the close bond they shared despite the distance. Alongside Louie, she enjoyed many memorable trips to Las Vegas, Aruba and Atlantic City. Janet's greatest happiness came from sharing those moments with her family, whose love was the center of her world. For more than 20 years, Janet proudly worked at the Developmental Disabilities Association of New Jersey, where her kindness, compassion and dedication touched the lives of countless individuals. During her time there, she formed lifelong friendships that she treasured deeply. Her coworkers became like a second family, sharing countless laughs, cherished memories, and unwavering support through the years. Even after Janet retired, they continued to care for her with the same love she had shown them, remaining by her side through life's joys and hardships. Their enduring friendship was a source of great comfort to her and a testament to the remarkable person she was. Her work was far more than a career - it was a meaningful part of her life that brought her great purpose while helping to support her family she loved so dearly. Janet simply wanted to love and be loved by the people who meant everything to her. Her greatest fulfillment came from caring for her family, sharing meals around the table, celebrating life's special moments, and creating a home where everyone felt welcomed and cherished. To Janet, those simple moments were life's greatest blessings, and they were more than enough. Janet's absence leaves a void that can never be filled. She will be missed beyond words by her children, grandchildren, family and all who were blessed to know and love her. Life without her will never be the same, and the days ahead will be difficult as her family learns to navigate a world without her unconditional love. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Janet has been reunited with the love of her life, Louie. After only six weeks apart, they are together once again, resting peacefully in God's loving embrace. Though they are no longer by our side, their love remains an enduring example, and their memories will live on in our hearts forever. Janet was reunited with her beloved husband, Louie, who predeceased her. She is survived by their two children, Janet and Louis; their spouses, John and Rachel, her five grandchildren, Julia, Kayla, Emma, Nolan and Sophia, her brothers and sisters-in-law, along with many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Margaret, and her brother Michael. A Memorial Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026 at St. Clare Church located at 110 Nelson Ave Staten Island, New York 10308.

Janet E. Forella

June 17, 1942 - July 6, 2026